After I blogged about Lum Chang a few days ago, there is analyst coverage of the same by UOB KH. Great minds think alike??
Here is an excerpt from their analyst report:-
Lum Chang Holdings (LCH) is trading at 4.9x FY12 PE and 0.8x P/B.
Potential share price catalysts include new contract wins and an attractive forecast dividend yield of 6% in FY13.
Investment Highlights
Good track record.
As a BCA grade ranked A1 contractor, Lum Chang Holdings has an impressive portfolio of past projects, which included Changi Water Reclamation Plant, UOB Plaza I and National University of Singapore. LCH’s established record in civil engineering projects is also evident, being the only local contractor to clinch a MRT Downtown Line project (contract 912 worth over S$450m) on its own. LCH’s recognised construction quality and established track record make it a serious contender for upcoming public construction projects, such as the MRT Thomson Line.
Consistently attractive dividend yield.
LCH has been paying a consistent dividend of 2 cents for the past three years, which translates to an attractive dividend yield of 6.0%. The dividend of 2 cents equates to a payout of 35.6% in FY12. In FY12, LCH generated a free cash flow (FCF)/share of 2.4 cents and a FCF yield of 7.3%.
Steady rental income.
LCH’s recent acquisition of a freehold mixed-use property at 42-60 Kensington High Street in London provides a steady recurring income for the group. Kensington High Street is identified in the London Plan as one of the 35 major centres in London. The prime location of the property allows it to enjoy a 100% occupancy rate and an annual rental income of £1.8m (S$3.4m), that translates to a rental yield of 4.5%. The S$3.4m rental income is about 15% of its FY12 net profit.
Strong balance sheet.
Trading at 0.8x P/B, valuation looks reasonable when compared with peers’ average of 1x P/B. Since FY10, LCH has maintained a net cash position. Its stock price is underpinned by cash reserves of S$77m (as at 31 Dec 12) that represents 62% of its market cap.
Future plans.
With a strong construction orderbook of S$600m and its new executive condominium project at Woodlands (a JV with Fraser Centrepoint) to be launched in Apr 13, LCH’s construction arm is likely to be kept busy till 2016. For its property development business, LCH is looking forward to continue developing its two residential projects in Malaysia where only 50% has been launched todate. LCH is also on the lookout for promising property investment in Asia and London to create additional steady recurring income. Associate LC Development’s hotel operation in London is likely to help LCH in optimising its selection of property investment in the London market.
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